Highlights for the Greater Atlanta Christian Community                                                                          April 24, 2007

Eyes on Never Ending Progress     

By: Dr. David Fincher, President

Hardly a week passes without a Greater Atlanta Christian alumni or alum parent commenting to me on the school on how far their alma mater has come.  Sometimes, they are looking at the campus itself, and yes, GAC buildings and grounds have expanded beautifully.

But there’s much more to progress than facilities, and some of the best dreaming and planning focuses on issues beyond bricks and mortar.  As we approach our 40th year celebration—next year—progress for our children is still the center of our work. 

So what’s coming our way in 2007-2008?

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The Foundation Begins for a "New Era in Athletics"     

By: Jill Morris, Director of Community Relations

Coaches from all Spartan athletic teams gather with donors Ramesh and Manju Naik, Sandra and Gaylord Coan, and Allen Nichols
during the Foundation Laying of the Naik Athletic Training Center.

On Tuesday, April 17th, coaches and athletes representing over 59 different sports celebrated the laying of the foundation for the Greater Atlanta Christian School new Athletic Training Facility.  Dr. Fincher announced the naming of the facility, The Naik Athletic Training Center, in honor of student Shanil Naik who was tragically killed in 2006.   The 12,500 square feet, two story brick facility will house a first floor, 3700 square feet strength and training equipment room, and second floor indoor baseball/softball batting cages and pitchers mounds, along with girls' and boys’ locker rooms.

President Dr. David Fincher remarked, “The Greater Atlanta Christian program and campus has exploded with progress over the last decade.  Yet, I'm particularly pleased about the coming Training Center, because it will touch every athlete and advance every program.”

Gary Schofield will be the Performance Training Director for the Naik Training Center and his credentials are impressive.  Gary is nationally certified as an athletic trainer and in strength and conditioning.  He brings 15 years experience, including eight years owning and operating a training business.  He has worked with amateurs, professionals, recreational and Olympic athletes.  He was also Director of Outpatient Rehabilitation for Eastside Medical Center.  Past jobs include working with the Atlanta Hawks as an assistant and a coach for the Georgia Force.

The training area will allow for 48 GAC students to work out simultaneously.  There will be 10 professional weight lifting stations and an indoor turf for explosive training drills.  A new testing program will evaluate strength, speed, agility, power, and endurance…all relative to bodyweight. Dr. Fincher commented that “hundreds of GAC athletes will use the facility each week and he believes it will give them a vital edge."

Contractors RJ Griffin & Company expect construction to be complete by the time school begins this fall.  But, on that Tuesday, as all GAC coaches approached the grounds where the foundation was being poured, a sense of unity was felt among the entire sports program – marking a new era in GAC athletics.

Above left: Dr. David Fincher and AD Tim Vick
join the Naiks, Coans, and Allen Nichols.

Right: Athletes gathered to begin laying
the foundation of athletics at GAC.

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The Great Commission     

By: Jill Morris, Director of Community Relations

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Opportunities were plentiful to share the good news of Jesus as over 200 students participated in Spring Break mission trips.  Only days prior to leaving for Athens, Greece, Brno, Czech Republic, Juarez and Ensenada, Mexico, Namibia, Africa, Vienna, Austria and La Carpio, Costa Rica, students and chaperones responded with promises in unison to the commission lead by Dr. Fincher:

Left: Dr. Fincher speaks with all GAC mission teams before they departed on mission trips around the world.

• Do you promise to teach and make disciples of Christ as God gives you opportunity?
  (All teams responded in unison: THROUGH CHRIST I WILL.)
• Do you promise to be a faithful witness and ambassador of Christ?
  (All teams responded in unison: THROUGH CHRIST I WILL.)
• Do you promise to use your gifts and talents to build up the kingdom of God?
  (All teams responded in unison: THROUGH CHRIST I WILL.)
• Do you promise to submit yourself to the authorities that God has placed over you?
  (All teams responded in unison: THROUGH CHRIST I WILL.)
• Do you promise to give 100% of yourself to every task no matter how great or how small?
  (All teams responded in unison: THROUGH CHRIST I WILL.)
• Do you promise to treat those with whom you come in contact just as you would want to be treated?
  (All teams responded in unison: THROUGH CHRIST I WILL.)

Dr. Fincher concluded with, “Today, young men and young women will go out in the same way as did Jesus’ twelve disciples.  Let us be in awe of what Jesus is about to do through each of you.”

Student leaders from each mission effort read scripture of promised strength and courage in Jesus.  Administrative Vice President, Bill Burton, prayed for the group to go out boldly, be protected and be directed by the Holy Spirit.  He also prayed for each and every Senior High student in chapel to be safe during the break, be transformed and bring God glory by the way they live their lives.

We are grateful for the safe return of all seven spring mission teams as well as the European Studies group.  Thank you for your prayers and financial support of these trips. 

Mr. Bill Burton, Administrative Vice President
of GAC, prays over students before their trips.

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Special VIP's Welcomed

By: Jill Morris, Director of Community Relations

Just before Spring Break, GAC students welcomed special VIP’s to the campus.  “Memaw”, “Mimi”, “Pepaw”, and “Grandad” walked the halls of all four GAC schools meeting their grandchildren’s teachers, viewing special displays and treasuring custom designed artwork made especially for them.

Dr. Fincher addressed almost one thousand fellow grandparents in a crowded Bradford Gym.  He thanked the honored guests for “children, who in turn, sent their children to Greater Atlanta Christian School.”
 
The 26th Annual Grandparents’ Day gave the most loved relatives an opportunity to experience their grandchildren’s school day, enjoy songs from engaging small voices, and learn more about growth and progress at Greater Atlanta Christian.

Above and left: Grandparents visit classrooms
and tour the campus with their grandchildren.

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A GAC Musical Night Under the Stars

By: Jill Morris, Director of Community Relations

On the evening of May 18th at 7:30, there will be a benefit concert for the GAC Orchestra and Band featuring Marcus Printup (internationally renowned jazz trumpeter and member of "Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra").  Mr. Printup and his combo will be accompanied by members of the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra.  Plans for the evening mirror the staging of an event at Chastain Park; offering tickets for tables, as well as, general seating.  Decorated with white lights, ambience, and a night sky, the GAC Hollis Smith Quadrangle will be a perfect venue for the concert.  Non-alcoholic drinks and desserts will be available for purchase, but the audience is encouraged to bring their own dinner.

Since this is a GAC instrumental music benefit, the concert announcement is being shared with GAC parents first.  Tickets are going fast! For more details, contact Jeanne Giager at
770-243-2396 or Riza Hequibal at 770-243-2393.

Jazz Musician Marcus Printup

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Being Changed to Think Like HIM

By: Ken Robinson, Director of Diversity

“The way we ‘see’ the world is measured in terms of perceiving, understanding and interpreting,” according to Stephen Covey’s book entitled, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  As Christians we understand the need for positive change in ourselves. Only when we begin to think like Jesus, does that transformation really happen.

My heart’s desire and prayer for each of our students is that they might be SALT. That they might learn to:

• See people the way Jesus sees them.
• Accept people the way Jesus accepts them.
• Love people the way Jesus loves them.
• Touch people the way Jesus touches them
  
  

 Right: Sophomore Will Harper reads with a student from Meadowcreek Elementary.

Earlier in the month, 19 GAC Senior High Spanish III students, with books in hand, visited neighboring Meadowcreek Elementary School.  They came to read books like Huevos Verdes Con Jamon, and Garbancito, translated as Green Eggs and Ham and a version of Tom Thumb.  These are books that ESOL students in kindergarten through third grade enjoy.

“The activity is not just about Spanish, it is about building relationships,” said GAC Spanish teacher Lana Walton.  Ms. Walton continued, “When students get in the community using their Spanish, they like the language more and get excited about using it more often.”  GAC Junior Lauren Reid began asking a 3rd grader questions in Spanish.  “Do you have any pets?”  “What sports do you play?”  Meadowcreek ESOL teacher Maggie Winfrey commented that her students, whose primary language is Spanish, often speak two or three other languages as well.  She said they love this interaction. 

Other GAC students read regularly to Meadowcreek students at monthly visits during Senior High club time.  But those students are usually not as fluent in Spanish nor as familiar with a second language.  They read books to the students in English.  Some conversation is enjoyed, but relationship building is more limited due to language barriers.  This Spanish III group was seeking to connect on a different level.  Sophomore Will Harper read to a kindergartner propped on the library floor.  Will said the younger child had told him that he was tired and liked reading this way.  “We just talked about regular stuff and he pointed out letters in my book that are in his name,” continued Will.  Having just returned from a mission trip in Juarez, Mexico, Will already had experience conversing in Spanish.  “You realize you don’t have to speak in complete, perfect sentences.  It only takes knowing a few words to have conversation," Harper concluded.

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Mentoring Ministry - "To Love and to Cherish till the End of This Project"

By: Jill Morris, Director of Community Relations

Twelfth grade girls descended from the Student Family Center staircase, each wearing a spring dress and holding a bouquet of flowers.  Senior boys dressed in shirts and ties and wearing a sheepish grins awaited their partners at the bottom of the steps.  It was the second annual wedding Ceremony in Dr. Ray Hawkins’ Peer Mentoring class.

Parents, siblings, fellow peers, and even Village students witnessed the exchange of vows between students pretending to be husband and wife.  The wedding ceremony is the culminating activity designed to equip students for marriage and family in this Senior High Bible class.  The project included preparing the engagement announcement, popping the question to parents and bride, as well as, arranging wedding plans that involve a discussion of household budgets and future family plans.  As he presides over the mock wedding, Dr. Ray announced, “I hope you are now armed with information to make a healthy and happy relationship one day.”  The ceremony ended with appropriate hugs between brides and grooms and an affordable reception.

Above: Dr. Ray Hawkins performs the "wedding ceremonies" of several students in his Peer Mentoring class.

Left: Junior Chase Aurandt and Senior Kinsey Davis cut the wedding cake.

Right: The throwing of the bouquets.

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Reading for Success

By: Dr. Misty Overman, Junior High Principal

Reading is an important key to academic success.  Our junior high school improvement goal for the last two years has centered on helping students improve their reading comprehension skills.  In addition, we are always looking for new ways to ignite students’ interest in reading.  This summer, junior high students and faculty will be reading together.  Media Specialist Mrs. Baker has researched and compiled a list of some of the very best young adult books.  Each teacher has selected one of these books to read over the summer.  Next Friday, Mrs. Denton will explain to the students that they will also chose one of the books on the list and read it over the summer as part of their summer reading program. From Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie  (Dr. Overman’s choice) to Good Brother, Bad Brother  (Coach Harsh’s choice) to Boy in the Striped Pajamas  (the choice of both Mrs. Richey and Mrs. Joiner) the books cover subjects from funny to serious.  Some make social statements while others simply chronicle the lives of teens.  Some are fiction, some are nonfiction.  We believe each student will be able to find some book, or at least connect with a teacher, in order to join a discussion at the beginning of the 07-08 school year.  Next fall, students and faculty will spend time together discussing “their” book and celebrating their success.

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Elementary Teachers Begin Summer in Education

By: Norma Miller, Elementary Principal

Teachers are already preparing for the next school year.  In early June, Elementary teachers will become students themselves as they take part in Mel Levine’s “School Attuned” workshop.  For a second consecutive summer, Principal Norma Miller will facilitate this workshop for her faculty beginning June 4th.  Thus far, 26 teachers, including 16 GAC teachers, plan to attend or have attended this educational program that helps teachers further understand how children learn.  The school has invested over $20,000 in training of GAC faculty in this program.  Originator of the material, Dr. Mel Levine, an internationally-known pediatrician and best selling author, has devoted 25 years of research identifying eight neuron-developmental areas of difficulty that children experience.  He concludes that the most important predictors of success are people skills and the ability to solve problems.

The program is a win for both teachers and students.  According to Dr. Levine, teachers who apply his methods are more likely to remain in their profession.  They become equipped with skills that preserve a child’s self esteem.  Students taught in this type of environment experience fewer behavioral and social problems.  Teachers who have previously attended the program have shared that it was the most impressive program they had ever experienced in education.  


Above Left: Dr. Mel Levine, author of the Schools Attuned workshops and teaching methods.  

Right: 2006 Schools Attuned workshop on campus.

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Spring in the Village

By: Margie Asef, Early Childhood Administrative Assistant

Have you ever actually seen a walking table topped with spaghetti?  Did you know that poor meatball rolled onto the floor?  Did you know all the kings’ horses and all the kings’ men can really sing?  The annual Village Spring Celebration entertained our students, teachers and families and also taught valuable life lessons.  For instance, “when days are bad, we’ll think about the friends we’ve made and when life hands us lemons, we will make lemonade.”  Mother Goose and storybook friends were full of ideas on how to turn “lemons into lemonade” as problem after problem was solved by the optimistic advice of Mother Goose, a.k.a. Village Principal Mrs. Hawkins.

Music teacher, Riza Hequibal, directed this lively musical and series of nursery rhyme recitations with the support of Village teachers.  Creative costumes, provided by talented GAC parents, added dramatic flair for each class presentation.  After the performance, lemonade and cookies were enjoyed by cast and audience on the Village Blacktop.

During the Month of April:

• Students in K4 explored the wonders of the rainforests, while learning to leap like leopards, climb like monkeys and croak like frogs.  Letter recognition of “R” was well represented by the Rainforest – especially when accompanied by Rice Krispie Treats!
• Students in K5 enjoyed a field trip to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.  Their understanding of insects and habitats continues to expand as students delve into the world of creeping, crawling and flying bugs.  Mrs. McFaddin and Mrs. Davis’ classes will conclude their studies with the presentation of “BUGS” on May 3rd.
• Students in K6 created incredible geometric designs as they learned the concepts of symmetry.  Their unit on PETS revealed a child’s natural love for animals while teaching the many nuances of vowel sounds and punctuation.  (“May I get a pet, yet?”).  At the Village Dog Show later in the month, each student will create a “pet” and become a marionette for the day.

Looking ahead…

April 26 -   K5 & K6 Field Day
April 27 -   Student Holiday
May 3 -      K5 Davis & McFaddin Class Program
May 4 -      K4 Field Day
May 9 -      Village Field Trip, Peter & the Wolf

Top: Mrs. Sam's kindergarten class.
Middle: Early Childhood Principal Rhonda Hawkins as Mother Goose poses with a few students.
Right: A lemonade stand was set up on the Village Blacktop for parents and students to enjoy refreshments after the children's program.

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Odyssey of the Mind

 By: Terri Williams, Elementary Administrative Assistant             

At the Regional Odyssey of the Mind Competition, GAC placed 8th overall and 2nd in the Spontaneous Event.  The six team members included fifth graders Ryan Chandler, Uzair Amani, and Zanir Amani and third graders Jessee Hoge, Michael Keeton, and Connor Tarpley.  Julia Chandler and Janis Hoge are the proud coaches.

Odyssey of the Mind also sponsored a creative dance competition for individual students.  Out of hundreds of candidates, Jessee Hoge and Connor Tarpley were selected to perform.  Connor finished in the Final Three and continued to perform countless difficult moves without missing a single beat, winning the competition.

O.M. Team (L-R): Jessee Hoge, Michael Keeton, Connor Tarpley and Ryan Chandler

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Applause & Accolades

• This year 229 students participated in the annual Junior High Math-a-thon raising $8,079.99 on behalf of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
• Senior Tom McArthur (right) is a 2007 recipient of the 11Alive Kids Who Care Scholarship.  Each year, five high school students are selected based on their service to a local organization or cause.  Winners receive a $1,100 scholarship and a Certificate of Excellence.  Tom was also recognized on 11Alive with a segment on how he serves others in the community through his work with the Civil Air Patrol.
• Congratulations to the GAC representatives who placed 7th in the state at the Georgia State Envirothon – Michelle Buckner, Daniel Forsman, Eric Hach, Sandy Jiang, Rishi Singhal, and Mike Dickinson

Above Right: Tom McArthur

Left: Envirothon Team members include (L-R): Coach Bob Harsh,
Daniel Forsman,  Mike Dickenson, Rishi Singhal, Michelle Buckner,  
Sandy Jiang, and Eric Hach

Congratulations to Abigail Freiberger, one of nine recipients in the state of a Loveday Foundation Summer Study Grant.   Abigail will use the grant to attend the AP Chemistry Summer Institute.

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Spartan Sports

Congratulations to D’Nay Daniels (left) for being selected to the Atlanta Journal Constitution AA All-State 1st Team and
Cree Nix (right) for her selection to the
AJC AA All-State 2nd Team.

Boys Soccer Team Wins Region 6AA Title.
Both the boys’ and girls’ Soccer Teams are preparing for state playoff games starting Thursday, April 26. 
The boys’ are ranked #1 in AA with a record of
16-2-0.  The girls’ are ranked #5 in AA with a 12-5-0 season.

Both boys’ and girls’ Lacrosse Teams have just two games remaining in the JV season.  They are preparing for the transition to varsity level next season.  Boys’ lacrosse is currently 9-1-1.  Girls lacrosse is currently 7-2 – a tremendous improvement from the 3-9 mark of last seasons.

The Spartan Baseball Team is ranked #2 in 6AA.

Both boys' and girls' Golf Teams are in regional playoffs.

Boys' Tennis Team Wins Region 6AA Title.
The girls' team is ranked #2 in 6AA.

Boys' and Girls' Track Teams are beginning regional meets.
   

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Mini-Grants Benefit Our Children

By: Kevin and Melanie Langsett, PTO Co-Presidents

As we approach the final weeks of school the PTO is in the process of reviewing proposals for Mini-Grants submitted by teachers.  You may be asking yourself, what is a Mini Grant?  A Mini-Grant is an award of up to $1,000 given directly to any GAC teacher or administrator.  The grants can be used for any activity, equipment or training that enhances classroom learning, extracurricular activities that addresses educational needs, and supports academic issues and campus life in support of the mission of the school.

Grants are intended to fund projects that would not typically be funded through school budgets.  These grants are the only source of funding that goes directly to classroom efforts and not into a school operating budget.

Last year the PTO awarded 14 Mini-Grants totaling $11,445.  Awards are chosen by the PTO board members from each of the four schools under the guidance of Bill Burton, Administrative Vice President.  Selections are based on the benefits to the students it will serve.  Winners of Mini-Grants will be announced at the annual GAC Celebration Dinner on May 4th.

Mini-Grants are another vital reason the PTO needs you. Your membership dues are critical to providing these valuable resources to our outstanding teachers in support of our children.  Next year make sure you check the PTO box on your Registration form.

Above:  2006 PTO Co-Presidents Mike and Sandy Maltby present Dr. Fincher
a check for the total awarded for mini-grants during Celebration Dinner.

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Assessment News…

The main phone line for Greater Atlanta Christian School is
770-243-2000. Admissions and general application information is
available by calling 770-243-2274. Click here to find all GAC
department and office numbers.

K4-12 2006-07 calendar

From fall registration to last day of classes in May, GAC's K-12 calendar
is bursting with activities. Click here for the 2007-08 calendar.

2007-08 At A Glance

Stay in touch with GAC…

• Check your email the third Tuesday of every month for the electronic Parent Connection (ePC).
• Receive School Level Announcements every day.Click here to add your email address
  

We would like to hear your suggestions for topics to cover in future issues of this publication, or ways we can keep in touch. If you do not wish to receive this e-mail publication, please contact us. Thank you for your continued support of Greater Atlanta Christian Schools' efforts to become a system of world-class schools.
Please e-mail Jill Morris with your feedback and suggestions.